ConsumerWatch: Unwanted Magazines Pile Up

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WALNUT CREEK (CBS 5) – Some Bay Area consumers are complaining that their mail boxes are stuffed with unwanted magazine subscriptions that they didn’t ask for.

U.S. Postal Inspector Jeff Fitch said the mailings could be part of a larger scheme.

“If they did not order these magazines and they’re arriving, especially the number 12 or 14, something is going on,” he said.

One Bay Area family told CBS 5 that they have been receiving more then 12 magazines a month from a company called National Magazine Exchange.

In a series of online complaints, some consumers call National Magazine Exchange a scam. The Better Business Bureau also questioned the company’s sales tactic and said it borders on taking advantage of customers.

The Bristow family of Walnut Creek said they were told by the National Magazine Exchange that they had entered a sweepstakes and signed up for the magazine package, a claim that the Bristow’s deny.

In an email, National Magazine Exchange told CBS 5 Mrs. Bristow did respond to a sweepstakes invitation and provided a recording of what they said was a call with the Bristows.

The Bristow’s said they don’t even have the credit card that was supposedly used to enter, and were never actually charged for the mailings.

Florida’s Attorney General is currently investigating 175 complaints against the company. Postal Inspector Fitch said anytime consumers receive an item that was never ordered, it should be returned to avoid any charges.